New technology roll-outs can lead to difficult change management processes. Here’s how your organisation can be ready for the ‘Go Live’ date.
Upgrading your organisation’s technology systems can be a struggle. For example, changing your office’s IT systems from Microsoft 7 to Microsoft 8, or installing a new payroll system, has the potential to fail miserably.
Arlene Wherrett, managing director, APAC at Bluewolf, argues that this doesn’t have to be the case.
“There are a number of change management elements that are essential to a technology rollout,” she said. “Using some or all of these five practices throughout the process allow for a better end result for the employee, organisation and most likely your customer.”
1. User acceptance testing: This is one of the most vital practices an organisation should undertake before going live. This gives you a chance to apply test cases and evaluate functionality in terms of desired outcomes before launching the roll-out business-wide.
2. Dress rehearsals: As with show-business this is the first time all the elements of the rollout come together. It allows all facets to be evaluated side-by-side to ensure any major system miscommunications can be addressed prior to Go Live.
3. Pilots: The pilot is the first time the technology is tested in a real-world situation. In essence one business unit goes live for a period of time while the rest of the business continues to use the old system to refine usability before rolling out company-wide.
4. Phased rollout: After the success of your pilot phase, the Go Live is gradually rolled out by business unit, while the old system continues to operate side-by-side.
5. Post Go Live support: Crucial to the success is the support post rollout. Both technology and behavioural change support will be needed during the first days, weeks and months of using the new system. A comprehensive post Go Live support function will benefit the uptake of your technology rollout no end.
Arlene Wherrett, managing director, APAC at Bluewolf, argues that this doesn’t have to be the case.
“There are a number of change management elements that are essential to a technology rollout,” she said. “Using some or all of these five practices throughout the process allow for a better end result for the employee, organisation and most likely your customer.”
1. User acceptance testing: This is one of the most vital practices an organisation should undertake before going live. This gives you a chance to apply test cases and evaluate functionality in terms of desired outcomes before launching the roll-out business-wide.
2. Dress rehearsals: As with show-business this is the first time all the elements of the rollout come together. It allows all facets to be evaluated side-by-side to ensure any major system miscommunications can be addressed prior to Go Live.
3. Pilots: The pilot is the first time the technology is tested in a real-world situation. In essence one business unit goes live for a period of time while the rest of the business continues to use the old system to refine usability before rolling out company-wide.
4. Phased rollout: After the success of your pilot phase, the Go Live is gradually rolled out by business unit, while the old system continues to operate side-by-side.
5. Post Go Live support: Crucial to the success is the support post rollout. Both technology and behavioural change support will be needed during the first days, weeks and months of using the new system. A comprehensive post Go Live support function will benefit the uptake of your technology rollout no end.
